This black shorebird with a bright red bill is a critical species of conservation concern because of the key role it plays in coastal ecosystems and its senstivity to disturbance by human activities while breeding.
Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani)
Map of observations
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In 2011, approximately 20 percent of the suitable habitat (orange) for black oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) was surveyed. A total of 176 adult or sub-adult black oystercatchers were detected at the five islands in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Density at different locations is shown by the diameter of the purple circles. The northern Channel Islands population was conservatively estimated to be between 779-854, which is 14 to 16 percent of the estimated total population in California. For more information, consult Figure App.F.13.4 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.
Abundance by site (CINP data)
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Number of black oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) observed during surveys at 20 rocky shore sites by Channel Islands National Park. Data are collected opportunistically. Curved lines represent statistically smoothed means. For more information, consult Figure App.F.13.5 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.
Abundance on Santa Cruz Island (Audubon data)
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Number of black oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) observed at Santa Cruz Island during the Audubon Christmas Bird Count from 2007 to 2013; no data were available for 2010. For more information, consult Figure App.F.13.6 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.